ETF providers are slashing expense ratios, and Charles Schwab leads the pack in the race to the bottom. The broker's 21 exchange-traded funds are among the cheapest available. Plus, if you're a Schwab brokerage customer, you can invest in the ETFs commission-free.

It often makes sense for job switchers and retirees to roll over their 401(k) to a traditional or Roth IRA. A handful of discount brokerages, including five of our top-ranked online brokers, compete for your retirement dollars that you've saved with another company by offering cash incentives that range from $100 to $2,500, depending on how much you invest. Consider these five.